How to get the most from your tour guide

A great tour guide is a fantastic resource that can make your trip – but getting the most from them takes a little know-how. Supercharge your next tour with our guide to guides

By Richard Roberts

You might think taking groups of cheery holidaymakers around stunning sights and fascinating places sounds like a dream job. But tour guiding is no easy ride – guides have to be historians, navigators, cheerleaders, ambassadors, botanists and wildlife experts all rolled into one. They're often highly qualified professionals and have real pearls of wisdom that can make your trip – but it pays to understand what makes them tick. Here are our top tips for getting the most from your guide before you book your next tour.

Ask original questions

A visit to the Taj Mahal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The colossal marble mausoleum is one of those world monuments that lives up to the hype. Less so for your tour guide, who sees it every other day; they'll still appreciate the beauty, but the wonder wears off a bit after the 100th visit. Spare them the same old questions ('What year was it built? How long did it take?') and ask something original – 'How has it changed since you've been guiding? How do the locals view conservation? Where would you visit if you were on holiday here?'

Reward your guide with an interesting question they haven't heard before, and at the very least they'll reward you with an original and unique perspective. But you might just delight them enough to earn some unexpected treats like little-known views or insider recommendations too.

Ask your guide about themselves

And don't restrict your questions to the obvious tourist attractions. The landscapes, buildings and ruins aren’t the only window onto the new culture you're experiencing, and guides are often more than happy to share insights from their own lives – if you ask them. Remember, they might well be a local, and stories from their own lived experience can be a fascinating travel treat.

Be ready with a laugh

Guiding is repetitive. And – until you show them otherwise – your guide won't know they can rely on you to keep things interesting. So some guides like to have a little fun with their group. Be wary if you start hearing tales of invisible creatures such as drop bears or obscure origins of well-known phrases; if it sounds unlikely, it could be your guide is pulling your leg. Go with it – they'll appreciate your sense of humour.

Understand tipping culture

Attitudes to tipping vary widely around the world. In some countries it's a given and your guide will feel slighted if you don't tip them, whereas the opposite is true in other places. Japan is famous for its no-tipping culture, and tipping might be seen as rude in some situations. Research tipping etiquette before you go.

Get to know the guides on some of Mail Travel's favourite tours with a visit to our Facebook page, where you can see live updates posted by real guides escorting Mail Travel groups around the world right now. See what you could discover on your next tour and get inspired.

Published by Mail Travel, a division of Associated Newspapers Limited, a company registered in England under company number 84121 with a registered office at Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT

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